by Dinoswede » Wed Dec 21, 2016 6:25 pm
Concerning the SAE oil viscosity classifying system, I guess you all are aware of that engine oils
and gearbox/differential oils are not labeled with the same "values".
For example - an SAE 140 Gear oil is in the same viscosity class as an SAE 50 engine oil, more
or less.
The problem with a "shaking steering wheel" depending on a bad steering damper, is perhaps
not so obvious, if driving mostly on roads with perfect surfaces. For me, it was an increasing
problem, though.
After I had tried both DOT4 brake fluid and SAE 10W-40 engine oil, with a not-so-good result,
I decided trying a somewhat thicker fluid. (I could have choosen a SAE 50 single grade motor oil,
but as I had no luck finding it in small quantities, I therefore went for the SAE 140 single
grade gear oil, instead.)
If planning to use your car in sub-zero degrees, you have an obvious option - SAE 85W-140 gear
oil, which is adapted to cope with low temperatures, as well.
With the SAE 140 gear oil in the steering damper, and the car lifted up on axle stands, I can
freely spin the steering wheel fast - from side to side - without feeling any excessive resistance,
compared to before. I guess the high gearing ratio through the steering mechanism still is
overtaking the damping resistance, by far.
Well, all this is only my experience...
It would be interesting to know, what the steering damper was filled with, from factory?
Dinoswede